Module 10: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly (SLIS 5420 review)

Summary: Calpurnia “Callie” Tate, an 11-year-old girl living in Fentress, Texas, spends the summer and fall of 1899 studying nature with her grandfather. They bond over their observations, and Calpurnia records their findings in a notebook. Although Callie’s mother pushes her to do more “feminine” things like playing the piano and needlework, Callie would much rather discuss plants and animals with Granddaddy. When they discover a new species of plant, Callie feels like their work is validated and people finally see how important it is to her.

Citation: Kelly, J. (2009). The evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt.

Impression: The thing that stuck out to me the most about this book is Callie’s irrepressible spirit and enthusiasm. She has to reconcile her family’s expectations for her to look pretty, play the piano, and learn how to cook with her own desire to work with her grandfather and learn more about the world around her. I think the fact that she remains true to herself and continues following her passion for scientific study send a positive message to young readers.

Based on what I already knew about the book, I expected it to be somewhat dry and laden with scientific facts and terminology. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the scientific aspects of the book are presented in such a way that they are not overwhelming or difficult to understand. However, this book will definitely hold the most appeal for young readers who have an interest in science to begin with.

Review:
Publisher’s Weekly:

Life at the turn of the century is not easy for a girl who loves books and science. Kelly's first novel presents spirited heroine Calpurnia (Callie) Virginia Tate, a middle child with six brothers, growing up in the isolation of Fentress, Tex., in 1899. To her family's dismay, Callie is stubborn, independent and not interested in darning socks or perfecting her baking skills like a lady. "I would live my life in a tower of books," she thinks to herself. She spends most of her time with Harry, "the one brother who could deny me nothing," slowly befriending her Granddaddy, a mysterious naturalist who studies everything from pecan distillation to microscopic river bugs. Together they dream up experiments and seek answers to backyard phenomena, discovering something new about the invisible world each day. Callie follows her passion for knowledge, coming to realize her family "had their own lives. And now I have mine." Callie's transformation into an adult and her unexpected bravery make for an exciting and enjoyable read. Kelly's rich images and setting, believable relationships and a touch of magic take this story far. Ages 10-up.

(2009, May 4). [Review of the book The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by J. Kelly]. Publishers Weekly, 256(18), 51. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/

Use in library: A school library could use this as part of a joint project between an English class and a Science class. The librarian could discuss the literary aspects of the book with the English class and the scientific aspects of the book with the science class, and both classes could discuss how those two elements work together. The teachers could also come up with some kind of joint assignment based on their book and their discussions.